A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Duncan family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 1110 · Britain, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
cinquefoilHope and joy
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. au chev. d'or, ch. de trois fermaux ronds d'azur et acc. en chef de trois quintefeuilles rangées d'arg. et en p. d'un cor-de-chasse d'or, l'embouchure à dextre. C.: trois quintefeuilles d'arg., tigées du même.”
BritainDan, c. 1700
Where the Duncan Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Duncan arms are recorded
The Duncan arms were recorded in Dan, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Duncan arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Britain.
Origin & History of the Duncan Family in Britain
The surname Duncan originates from the Gaelic name Donnchadh, which translates to brown warrior or dark-skinned fighter. It was a name of great historical significance in Scotland, famously held by two kings who ruled during the eleventh century. Over many generations, the name spread from its northern roots across the British Isles as families migrated for work, trade, and new opportunities. By the year 1700, the name was well-established in the county of Kent, where families bearing the title contributed to the local community through farming and various trades. This movement reflects a broader pattern of internal migration where individuals carried their ancestral names into new regions, blending their heritage with the local culture of southern England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. a chev. engr. or, betw. two cinquefoils in chief ar. and a hunting-horn in base of the last garnished az”
ForfarParkhill · Forfar, c. 1748
Where the Duncan Arms Were Recorded
Forfar
Map of Scotland showing where the Duncan arms are recorded
The Duncan arms were recorded in Forfar, c. 1748.
Forfar, now called Angus, was farming country on Scotland's east coast between the hills and the sea. Its landed families were long-settled, and long settlement is exactly what fills a register of arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Britain when the Duncan arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Forfar.
Origin & History of the Duncan Family in Scotland
The surname Duncan is deeply rooted in the Gaelic language, originating from the words "donn," meaning brown, and "cath," meaning battle. This name was famously borne by King Duncan I, who ruled Scotland in the eleventh century and became a central figure in history through his portrayal in literature. By the eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Forfar, which is now known as Angus. During this period, the region was a hub of agricultural and textile activity, and families like the Duncans were often involved in the local community life that defined the Scottish Lowlands. While the name was once associated with the royal lineage of the north, its evolution into a common surname reflects the broader movement of people across the Scottish landscape as they settled into specific towns and parishes to build their livelihoods.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. two roses in chief and a buglehorn in base ar. stringed and garnished az”
EnglandMarylebone, c. 1764
Where the Duncan Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Duncan arms are recorded
The Duncan arms were recorded in Marylebone, c. 1764.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in Britain when the Duncan arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Duncan Family in England
The surname Duncan finds its roots in the Gaelic language, originating from the words "donn," meaning brown, and "cath," meaning battle. While the name is most famously associated with Scottish kings, families bearing the name began to establish roots in Northern England as trade and migration patterns shifted over the centuries. By the mid-eighteenth century, records confirm that members of the Duncan family were well-established in the city of York. During this era, York served as a vital hub for commerce and craftsmanship in the north, providing a stable environment for families to settle and contribute to the local economy. The presence of the family in York by 1764 suggests they were part of the growing urban middle class that helped shape the city during the Georgian period. These early residents likely worked in the trades or professional services that defined the social fabric of the city at that time.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Donnchadh
Derived from the Gaelic words for brown warrior or dark chieftain.
This name
DuncanA Scottish Gaelic name traditionally interpreted as meaning brown-haired fighter or dark warrior.
also spelled
Duncann
Duncane
Dunc
Dunkan
Duncanson
Related arms
Wrightrecorded with Duncan, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. 1991
The National Archives (UK). Parish registers for the county of Kent, series RG 4
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
cinquefoilHope and joy
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
cinquefoilHope and joy
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
